SFS was founded with the belief that stewardship of our planet is the responsibility of people around the world and that addressing complex global issues requires the active inclusion of stakeholders with varying perspectives and identities.

We recognize that to successfully address threats to our planet, we must look beyond social constructs designed to divide us. Just as we value biodiversity in all its forms, we value diversity in perspective – both from people in the countries where we work and from students who join us in the field.

Climate change has a disproportionate impact on low-income communities, communities of color, and other vulnerable populations in the U.S. and around the world. In order to address some of the greatest environmental challenges of our time, SFS seeks to train and amplify the voices of students who represent those communities.

Students from groups that have traditionally been underrepresented in study abroad are encouraged to apply for the SFS Diversity Scholarship. Eligibility includes but is not limited to those who identify as a racial or ethnic minority, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, students with disabilities, and students from all underrepresented groups or underserved communities.